28 Camping Dinner Ideas
Heading out into the great outdoors offers a unique opportunity to unwind, reconnect with nature, and break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There’s something truly magical about cooking over a campfire under the stars, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature.
Whether you’re an experienced camper or setting out for your first adventure, having a variety of tasty, easy-to-prepare meals can make your experience even more enjoyable.
In this blog post, we will explore 28 delightful camping dinner ideas that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
Camping Dinner Ideas
1. Grilled Chicken Skewers
What’s better than enjoying some delicious grilled chicken skewers under the stars.
Start by marinating chunks of chicken in your favorite herbs and spices think garlic, paprika, and a bit of lemon for zest.
Add bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the mix for some veggie goodness.
Thread them onto skewers and grill until beautifully charred and cooked through.
2. Campfire Chili
Imagine sitting by the campfire with a warm bowl of chili comfort food at its best.
Use ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option), kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, and a blend of chili spices to create this hearty dish.
Let it simmer over the fire, filling the air with tantalizing aromas.
Serve with crusty bread or over steamed rice to capture all that saucy goodness.
3. Foil Packet Fish
Foil packet cooking is a neat, no-fuss way to enjoy dinner at the campsite.
Take some fish fillets salmon or trout work wonderfully and layer them with slices of lemon, a sprinkle of dill, and a pat of butter.
Wrap them tightly in foil and cook the packets over hot coals.
The fish steams in its own juices and the flavors are just sublime. It’s simple, healthy, and incredibly tasty.
4. Hot Dogs and Baked Beans
Bring back those classic camping vibes with hot dogs and baked beans.
This is one of the easiest meals you can make while camping.
Just grill up some hot dogs and heat a can of your favorite baked beans right over the campfire.
It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and perfect for a casual, laid-back evening.
5. Dutch Oven Stew
There’s something truly special about making a Dutch oven stew while camping.
Brown some chunks of beef, and toss in potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Add enough beef broth to cover, and let it stew over a campfire until everything is tender.
The flavors meld together beautifully in the great outdoors, creating a rich, comforting dish that’ll warm you up as the night cools down.
6. Vegetable Stir Fry
Keep things light and fresh with a vegetable stir fry.
Grab whatever veggies you like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots are all great choices.
Toss them in a hot pan with a bit of oil and some soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for flavor.
If you’re feeling up to it, add tofu or pre-cooked chicken to make it a fuller meal. It’s quick, colorful, and packed with nutrients.
7. BBQ Pork Ribs
Who can resist sticky, barbecued ribs while camping.
Marinate your ribs in a smoky BBQ sauce overnight if you can, then slow-grill them over low coals.
Let them get nice and tender, basting them with more sauce as they cook.
They’ll be fall-off-the-bone good, with that perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and savory.
8. Hobo Pies
Get everyone involved with making hobo pies.
Start with two slices of bread, and layer your favorite fillings like cheese, ham, or even something sweet like apples and cinnamon between them.
Place the sandwich in a pie iron and cook it over the campfire until the bread is toasted and the fillings are gooey.
It’s a fun, customizable meal that’s great for kids and adults alike.
9. Campfire Pizza
Turn your campfire into a pizzeria with some easy campfire pizzas.
Use pita bread as your base for simplicity.
Spread on some pizza sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and top with your favorite ingredients pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, you name it.
Grill over the fire until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisp. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
10. Pasta Primavera
Enjoy the freshness of a pasta primavera at your campsite.
Boil your favorite pasta, then toss it with a mix of sautéed vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, and zucchini.
Add a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness.
It’s a simple, wholesome meal that brings a touch of elegance to your outdoor dining.
11. Burgers
Is there anything more classic than burgers at a campsite.
Grab your patties beef, turkey, or even veggie and grill them to your liking.
Add slices of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and perhaps some onion or a dollop of barbecue sauce.
Serve on toasted buns for that irresistible char-grilled flavor. It’s a foolproof meal that never disappoints, whether you’re cooking for two or a whole troop.
12. Quesadillas
Quesadillas make a quick and satisfying campfire meal.
Simply take some flour tortillas and stuff them with a generous helping of cheese and other fillings like cooked chicken, beans, or veggies.
Grill them on a hot plate or directly over the fire until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese has melted.
Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole for dipping delicious.
13. Sausage and Peppers
Sausages grilled to perfection with a side of sautéed bell peppers and onions make for a vibrant and tasty meal.
Choose your favorite type of sausage spicy, sweet, or herbed and grill them alongside strips of colorful peppers and onions.
This combination not only tastes great but also adds a festive splash of color to any meal. Serve in a bun or enjoy as is for a lower-carb option.
14. Tacos
Taco night at the campsite can be a festive affair.
Prepare your taco filling ahead of time ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco spices.
At the campsite, reheat the filling and serve with taco shells or soft tortillas and an array of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.
It’s a fun meal that allows everyone to customize their taco just the way they like it.
15. Meatball Subs
Hearty and deeply satisfying, meatball subs are a great way to end a day of hiking or swimming.
Warm up pre-made meatballs along with some marinara sauce, then spoon them into sub rolls.
Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and perhaps some Parmesan for an extra flavor kick.
Grill the subs briefly to melt the cheese and crisp the bread. It’s a comforting, filling meal that’s sure to please.
16. Chicken Curry
A one-pot chicken curry can bring some exotic flavors to your campfire dining.
Use pre-cooked chicken to save on prep time, and simmer it in a sauce made from curry paste and canned coconut milk.
Add veggies like peas and bell peppers for color and crunch.
Serve this aromatic dish over steamed rice or with naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
17. Salmon Patties
For a healthier twist, whip up some salmon patties.
Combine canned salmon with breadcrumbs, an egg, and some herbs for binding and flavor.
Form into patties and grill them until they are golden and crispy.
Serve with a side salad or on a bun with a dollop of tartar sauce. It’s a tasty way to get a dose of omega-3s while enjoying the great outdoors.
18. Goulash
A pot of goulash over the campfire brings comfort food to the wilderness.
Brown some ground beef, then add onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
Toss in diced tomatoes and some paprika for that authentic flavor.
Let it simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve with a side of bread or over some cooked pasta for a filling, warm meal.
19. Ratatouille
Vegetable lovers will rejoice with a campfire ratatouille.
This French stew is made by sautéing zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes.
Each vegetable contributes its own unique flavor, creating a harmonious blend that’s both nutritious and warming.
Serve as a side or over grains like quinoa or couscous for a heartier dish.
20. Campfire Paella
Bring a taste of Spain to your campsite with a simplified paella.
In a large skillet, combine rice, a bit of saffron for color and flavor, chicken, chorizo, and seafood like shrimp and mussels.
Cook over the campfire, adding chicken broth gradually until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
It’s a showstopper meal that’s sure to impress your camping companions.
21. Jambalaya
Bring a little bit of the South to your campsite with a hearty pot of jambalaya.
This Creole dish combines rice, chicken, sausage, and shrimp with a mix of onions, celery, and bell peppers.
Season it with some Cajun spices to get that authentic, spicy kick.
Everything cooks in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a filling, flavorful meal that’ll feed a crowd and bring everyone together around the campfire.
22. Shrimp Boil
A shrimp boil is perfect for a fun and communal eating experience.
Throw together shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage into a large pot of boiling water seasoned with Old Bay seasoning.
Once cooked, drain and dump everything onto a picnic table covered in newspaper for a rustic, grab-and-eat feast.
It’s messy, fun, and incredibly satisfying.
23. Greek Chicken Pitas
Light and refreshing, Greek chicken pitas are a great meal for a warm night.
Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek seasonings before grilling.
Slice the cooked chicken and stuff it into pita bread along with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Each bite is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor a true delight after a day of adventures.
24. Fajitas
Turn up the heat with some sizzling fajitas.
Slice beef or chicken and marinate in lime juice, oil, and chili spices.
Grill the meat along with strips of onions and bell peppers until charred and tender.
Serve on flour tortillas with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and salsa. It’s interactive and fun to put together your own fajita exactly how you like it.
25. Macaroni and Cheese
Who says you can’t enjoy some good old macaroni and cheese while camping.
Cook your macaroni in a pot over the fire, then stir in a mixture of cheese, milk, and a bit of butter until everything is creamy and smooth.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and give it a quick crisp up over the flame.
It’s comfort food that feels like a hug from the inside.
26. Kebabs
Kebabs are a versatile and easy option for campfire cooking.
Skewer chunks of meat like beef, chicken, or lamb with vegetables such as onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
Marinate in a mix of oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs before grilling.
They’re fun to make and eat, and they cook up fast, making them perfect for a hungry crowd.
27. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
There’s something incredibly comforting about grilled cheese and tomato soup, especially on a chilly evening.
Grill your cheese sandwiches to golden perfection over the campfire.
Heat up tomato soup in a pot, seasoned with a touch of basil and cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Dip your sandwich into the soup for a satisfying, warm meal that soothes the soul.
28. Pan-fried Trout
If you’re near a stream or lake, pan-fried trout can be a real treat.
Clean and season the trout with salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest.
Fry in a pan with butter over your camp stove or fire until the skin is crispy and the flesh is tender.
It’s fresh, simple, and absolutely delicious, especially when eaten in the great outdoors.
